8.5.16

THE DUBIOUS CARGO CULT CALLED THE PRESIDENCY.

Mr Will, the token Tory (and Cub fan?) in the roster of talking heads, observed that the subsequent practice of presidential hopefuls offering the people new and shiny things was a formula for disappointment and failure of the presidency. Thus, calling for a reduced presidency in a campaign is, yes, going to antagonize Official Washington and the stuffed heads that sit around under pictures of the Capitol on Sunday mornings, but to campaign for Enhanced Governmental Power only creates attack ads.

Looking on the bright side — speaking of challenges — Trump’s nomination might have two salutary effects: It might counteract “The Cult of the Presidency,” as explored in Gene Healy’s 2008 book with that title. And it might reacquaint Republicans with the reality principle — the need to assess and adapt to facts.Healy analyzes the delusion of “redemption through presidential politics.” The infantilization of America is apparent in the presidency becoming a semi-sacerdotal office, one that conflates spiritual yearnings and magical thinking about wonders performed by executive power. Trump, with his coarse character and fanciful promises, is an antidote to such superstitions.

Yes, and perhaps a Republican Congress, dealing with a President Trump, or a Democratic Congress, with more Bernie Sanders allies, dealing with a President Clinton, will aid in the rediscovery of separated powers.